Llandudno has lots to offer with its shops, picturesque views and a Blue Flag beach

Llandudno is Wales’ largest resort and an ideal destination for a short break

I do like to be beside the seaside, I do like to be beside the sea, the old song goes.

And where better to get away for a stroll along the prom, prom, prom, when the brass band plays tiddly om, pom pom than one of the UK’s best-known seaside holiday hotspots.

Close enough to get away for a weekend break straight from work on a Friday afternoon, my partner Emma and I headed for good old sunny (or possibly a bit wet) Llandudno.

We have both been before, but a fair few years ago, and to be honest couldn’t remember much about it, but we were keen to see what Wales’ largest seaside resort had to offer.

Llandudno was built as a mid-Victorian era holiday destination, and although it doesn’t satisfy everybody’s thirst for a big annual break, it is perfect for a short break or weekend away, especially with it being only a couple of hours from where we work in Telford.

All you have to do is forget the “Great” British weather. For me it always seems to get worse as soon as I cross over the Welsh border.

Llandudno offers a Blue Flag beach, with pleasant sea breeze and picturesque views – everything Wales does so well.

The town boasts the longest pier in Wales, and makes a great place for a stroll, particularly late in the day when the crowds have disappeared, after the kitsch seaside shops and amusements are closed.

At night everything is very peaceful with a gorgeous view of the street and hotel lights glistening on to the water.

Our accommodation for the weekend was the well-known St George’s Hotel, located in a stunning position overlooking the bay of Llandudno, the perfect location for our weekend break.

Llandudno is Wales’ largest resort and an ideal destination for a short break

St Georges Hotel was built as the first luxury hotel in Llandudno, a tradition that is continued today.

From the website we had quite high expectations of the four-star hotel that claims to be “one of the best hotels in the whole of Wales” – quite a statement.

After a quick check in, we made our way to our room, with slight apprehension as the hallways and corridors were, we felt, a little tired on first impressions.

But, and a big but, on entering our room we were not disappointed.

The king-size room seemed like it had recently been treated to a much more modern and comfortable style, boasting an LCD widescreen TV opposite the bed (great for me during Emma’s getting ready time), a fresh contemporary bathroom, a couple of armchairs and a desk/dresser for Emma with a large mirror above.

This is all well kept, and reflected on a £4 million refurbishment the hotel underwent back in 2006.

The hotel has 75 rooms in total, all air conditioned and all have access to a high-speed internet connection, there is also Wi-Fi available in public areas free of charge to all guests of the hotel.

The hotel also offers Aspire Health and Beauty for you to enjoy a full range of treatments in the Aspire salon or in the comfort of your own bedroom.

As we arrived after dark on Friday, we awoke to the magnificent seascape only a stone’s throw from our room.

Even before taking in the landscape outside, I had heard the calming slosh of the waves in the night through the open window.

We had the perfect preparation for the day ahead with the hotel’s full Welsh breakfast buffet, before hitting the streets.

After a quick look around the shops nearby, we attacked the Great Orme by tram.

Or if the UK’s only cable-hauled tramway, with original Victorian tramcars doesn’t take your fancy, you can also drive, take the vintage coach or walk.

However you decide to set about seeing the well-known attraction, you have to get up there one way or another simply to take in the fantastic views.

There is the Great Orme ancient mine to visit halfway up and at the top, a café, bar and crazy golf if you can brave the wind.

An aerial view of the town and Llandudno Bay

After taking a few snaps and enjoying a coffee we made our way back down to the town on foot, braving the wind for the sake of a pleasant stroll.

Of course, no holiday would be complete for Emma without the compulsory shopping trip, although she was limited to only a couple of hours.

At the end of the main strip of shops you come to Parc Llandudno, a retail park that offers a wide range of top retail outlets and confirms the town’s status as North Wales’ top shopping destination.

We were booked into the hotel’s AA rosette-winning restaurant, which lived up to its award status.

We had a delightful meal in the Terrace Restaurant, with spectacular coastal views of Llandudno Bay – a great way to spend our Saturday evening.

I had local crab fishcakes, while Emma went for the less traditional Welsh fare of crispy duck. We both enjoyed a succulent grilled Welsh sirloin steak for a main.

Suffice to say, we finished the evening feeling very pleased with ourselves, if not a little full.

The following day we took a walk along the seafront followed by a light bite to eat from the Ham Bone Food Hall, not far from the hotel.

I can definitely recommend their pork pie, which was among the best I have ever eaten, but when you are about to tuck in do be wary of the local bird population.

Thousands of seagulls await any opportunity to snatch food from your hand or even mouth. Welsh seagulls have no fear – you have been warned.

The only other slight problem was the parking at the hotel. St George’s did have a car park at the rear but unfortunately when we arrived, all spaces were full.

The four-star St George’s hotel is a great base

We managed to find a space outside the side of the hotel but had a 90 minute restriction during the day, so had to be moved by 10.30am. Having explained our situation to staff, we realised the hotel had a plan B with the option to double park and block people in on the car park and to leave keys behind reception.

Parking is an issue around Llandudno, but if you haven’t the luxury of a hotel car park nearby, drive up the Orme and park at the top for a small fee in that car park rather than battle with busy streets at sea level.

All in all we had a great weekend, experiencing luxury in the contemporary St George’s Hotel.

We imagined Llandudno would be a great place for a relaxing weekend away, and as we made the relatively short trip back to Shropshire, we agreed we weren’t disappointed.

By Simon Hill

Travel guide

• Simon Hill stayed at the four-star St George’s Hotel in Llandudno, North Wales which is located on the town’s scenic seafront. The hotel combines Victorian elegance with luxury and comfort and the 75 contemporary-styled en suite bedrooms have air-conditioning, Egyptian cotton bedding and high definition LCD TVs. Some of the rooms have terraces and sea views.

• From November 1, 2011 until May 3, 2012, St George’s Hotel offers an “Arrive and Revive” package which includes a two-course dinner, bed and full Welsh breakfast from £65pp per night based on two sharing.

• For further details or to make a booking please contact 01492 877 544 (www.stgeorgeswales.co.uk)